May 5, 2025
“Zakayo Shoe-ka!” trends online after a shoe is hurled at President Ruto during a Migori rally. Kenyans flood social media with memes and satire, turning the incident into a viral moment. Read the full story on Mulembe Times.
What began as a tense moment during President William Ruto’s rally in Migori has quickly transformed into a viral meme storm across social media, with the phrase “Zakayo Shoe-ka!” dominating online conversations following the dramatic shoe-throwing incident on Sunday.
The incident, which took place during one of President Ruto’s roadside rallies where he addressed crowds from the sunroof of his vehicle, turned chaotic when an unknown individual hurled a dusty shoe at the Head of State. Though the President was unharmed and continued with his address, the moment was captured on camera—and the internet wasted no time doing what it does best: meme-ifying the moment.
‘Zakayo Shoe-ka’ Trends on X (Twitter) and TikTok
Within hours, hashtags like #ZakayoShoeKa, #MigoriShoeAttack, and #ShoeOfTheNation were trending on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, with thousands of users creating memes, parody videos, and hilarious commentary around the now-infamous shoe.
The term “Zakayo Shoe-ka” is a satirical spin on the nickname “Zakayo,” which President Ruto has previously embraced—a reference to the Biblical Zacchaeus, the tax collector, used by critics to jab at his government’s aggressive taxation policies. The addition of “Shoe-ka” is a pun on the Swahili word “shoka” (axe), giving the incident an extra punchline.
One viral meme depicted the shoe flying through the air with the caption:
“When cost of living hits too hard, and you run out of words… you throw your problems.”
Another featured an edited clip of Ruto ducking the shoe, followed by slow-motion replays with dramatic music, reminiscent of sports highlight reels.
Kenyans React with Humor and Criticism
While many users online shared light-hearted content, some used the moment to highlight deeper frustrations with the government. One post read:
“The shoe missed, but the message landed. Zakayo must feel this heat.”
Another user tweeted:
“Shoe economy now trending. When the hunger is real, even shoes become tools of protest.”
Others defended the President, calling for respect and condemning the act, but still couldn’t resist the viral wave.
“Throwing a shoe is not right, but these memes? Top tier Kenyan creativity.”
Politicians Join the Conversation
Several leaders have weighed in on the incident—including Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who criticized the President’s frequent roadside engagements and urged him to prioritize security and governance over what he described as “car roof politics.”
“He should focus on policy delivery and avoid unnecessary exposure. It’s not safe, and it undermines the dignity of the presidency,” said Nyutu.
On the other hand, allies close to the President dismissed the online uproar as harmless internet banter, insisting that President Ruto remains unfazed.
Statehouse Responds: “No Cause for Alarm”
In a brief statement Monday evening, a State House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the President was “not injured or shaken” by the incident and that normal security procedures remain in place.
Three suspects have since been arrested in connection with the incident, and security sources say investigations are ongoing. Preliminary reports suggest the act may have been politically motivated.
Meanwhile, the President—widely known for his resilience and populist style—has not commented directly on the memes or the incident. But if his past responses to criticism are any indicator, Kenyans can expect a humorous, perhaps even self-deprecating, comeback in the days ahead.
A Moment That Defines Kenyan Satire
Kenya has a long-standing tradition of responding to political drama with satire, and the “Zakayo Shoe-ka” moment is the latest chapter. From “Wheelbarrow Economics” to “Hustler Nation” memes, Kenyans continue to showcase their unique ability to turn politics into punchlines—sometimes more powerful than policy speeches.
As the dust settles—quite literally in Migori—the internet’s verdict is clear: the shoe may have missed its target, but it’s landed squarely in the hall of fame of Kenyan political memes.
